Answer: C

Explanation:

President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, conferred the 5^th National Water Awards, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. 38 winners, including joint winners across 09 categories were awarded for their exemplary work in the field of water conservation and management. Thus 1^st statement is incorrect.

Odisha received the first prize, followed by Uttar Pradesh in second place, and Gujarat and Puducherry sharing third place. Thus 2^nd statement is correct.

1st National Water Awards were launched in 2018 by the DoWR, RD & GR. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th National Water Awards were given for the years 2019, 2020 and 2022. The awards were not given in the year 2021 due to CoVID pandemic. Thus 3^rd statement is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The cyclone is predicted to affect Odisha and West Bengal, bringing heavy rainfall and high-speed winds, posing a significant threat to infrastructure and communities in these regions. Thus 1^st statement is incorrect. 

Cyclone Dana was named by Qatar as per the tropical cyclone naming system formulated by the World Meteorological Organisation. The name Dana means “generosity” in Arabic and was chosen by Qatar. Thus 2^nd statement is correct.

Cyclone is a large air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure, counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Cyclones are characterized by inward-spiraling winds that rotate about a zone of low pressure. Thus 3^rd statement is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

INS Suvarna, an Indian Navy ship, made a port call at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, from October 19 to 21, 2024, while on its anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden. This visit highlights the Indian Navy's continued engagement with East African nations to ensure maritime security in the region. Thus 1st statement is correct.

INS Suvarna (P52) is a Sukanya-class patrol vessel commissioned on April 4, 1991 . It has been modified for use as a test bed for the launch of the ship-based Dhanush short-range ballistic missile. Thus 2^nd statement is correct.

Dar Es Salaam, located along the Indian Ocean coast, is Tanzania's largest city and economic capital. Historically, it has served as a vital port and trade center for the region, facilitating commerce and connectivity between East Africa and the global market. Thus 3rd statement is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, from August 16 to August 23, 1930. At that time, they were known as the British Empire Games.

brief overview of the first Games:

Host City: Hamilton, Canada

Dates: August 16-23, 1930

Participating Nations: 11

Athletes: Approximately 400

Sports: 6 (Athletics, Boxing, Diving, Swimming, Weightlifting, and Wrestling)

The British Empire Games later evolved into the Commonwealth Games in 1978.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has declared that satellite spectrum in India will be assigned "administratively" rather than through auctions. This decision aligns with international best practices, recognizing satellite spectrum as a globally shared public resource managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Thus 1st and 2^nd statement is correct.

Through the act, Spectrum will be assigned by auction, except for specified uses, where it will be allocated on an administrative basis.  Specified purposes include: (i) national security and defence, (ii) disaster management, (iii) weather forecasting, (iv) transport, (v) satellite services such as DTH and satellite telephony, and (vi) BSNL, MTNL, and public broadcasting services.  The central government may re-purpose or re-assign any frequency range. Thus 3^rd statement is incorrect.